Qatar Tourism and Partners announce launch of expression of interest for landmark West Bay Waterfront and Al Safliya Island Project
Qatar Tourism, in collaboration with the Public Works Authority (Ashghal), the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI), and Invest Qatar, has announced the opening of the Expression of Interest (EOI) process for the West Bay Waterfront and Al Safliya Island project. The announcement took place on May 22 during the Qatar Economic Forum, in the presence of senior representatives from all four parties.
On the sidelines of the press conference, an agreement was signed between Qatar Tourism, the Public Works Authority (Ashghal), and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, with the aim of coordinating joint efforts to implement the West Bay Waterfront and Al Safliya Island project. The agreement was signed on behalf of Qatar Tourism by Mr. Omar Al Jaber, Head of Tourism Development Sector, on behalf of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry by Mr. Saleh bin Majid Al-khulaifi, Assistant Undersecretary for Industrial Affairs and Business Development,, and on behalf of the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) by Eng. Mohammed Masoud Al-Mari, Senior Projects Engineering Advisor.
This strategic initiative represents a significant milestone in the tendering process for the development and operation of five prime beachfront plots along Doha's iconic West Bay shoreline, as well as Al Safliya Island.
The project represents a significant advancement in Qatar's efforts to enhance its tourism infrastructure and broaden its leisure offerings. The EOI process is now open to regional and international developers and operators with a proven track record in delivering large-scale hospitality and leisure projects.
The development scope includes the design, construction, financing, operation, and maintenance of the five designated beachfront plots. The project will feature accommodation, food and beverage outlets, and recreational facilities, creating a unified and accessible waterfront destination.
H.E. Saad bin Ali Al Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism, stated: 'The West Bay Waterfront and Al Safliya Island project is a strategic initiative that underscores our commitment to expanding Qatar's tourism offering. This announcement reflects the strength of collaboration between public and private sectors in delivering impactful, long-term development outcomes. The project represents a significant step towards creating an integrated coastal destination that connects West Bay's beaches with Al Safliya Island, offering a comprehensive tourism, leisure, and hospitality experience. It will play a key role in supporting economic diversification and enhancing Qatar's position as a leading global tourism destination.'
H.E. Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al Thani, Minister of Commerce and Industry, affirmed that investment in tourism projects is a key pillar of economic diversification, and a vital driver of public-private partnerships aimed at advancing development. Such projects serve as a key catalyst for attracting high-quality investments that contribute to sustainable development and achieve the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030.
The West Bay Waterfront and Safliya Island development project, the Minister added, reflects Qatar's commitment to enhancing the investment environment and supporting vital economic sectors, including tourism, hospitality, and entertainment.
For his part, H.E. Eng. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Meer, President of the Public Works Authority "Ashghal," confirmed that the waterfront development project in the West Bay area and Al Safliya Island embodies a distinguished model of constructive cooperation between various government entities, and an effective partnership with the private sector, within the framework of Public-Private Partnership initiative adopted by the state.
His Excellency called on all national entities working in the building and construction sector to seize this important strategic opportunity and contribute effectively to the implementation of this ambitious project.
His Excellency affirmed that the Public Works Authority "Ashghal" plays a pivotal role in implementing tourism projects by providing integrated infrastructure that is in line with the objectives of tourism projects, while adhering to the highest standards of quality and sustainability, ensuring a balance between urban aesthetics, preserving the environment and natural resources of the country.
Sheikh Ali Alwaleed Al-Thani, CEO of Invest Qatar, said: 'Invest Qatar is pleased to support the West Bay Waterfront and Al Safliya Island project, a transformative initiative that will attract significant investment and elevate Qatar's tourism infrastructure. This project is a testament to Qatar's commitment to creating a dynamic and diversified economy by fostering strategic partnerships with world-class developers to contribute to Qatar's growth. We believe this development will not only enhance the visitor experience but also create new opportunities for innovation and sustainable development in the hospitality and leisure sectors.'
About Qatar Tourism
Qatar Tourism, the regulatory body of the tourism sector in Qatar. Qatar Tourism's mission is to promote and expand tourism in Qatar by cultivating its rich culture, develop thrilling attractions, and luxury experiences. With a clear vision to strengthen Qatar's position as a premier family-tourism destination distinguished by service excellence, to achieve diverse and innovative economic growth. Qatar Tourism will regulate and develop the tourism industry, encouraging investment from the private sector. It set the strategy for the tourism sector, reviewing it periodically and overseeing its implementation, with the aim of diversifying tourism offerings in the country and increasing visitor spend. Qatar Tourism is expanding Qatar's presence globally and enhancing the tourism sector.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
2 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Dubai's Al Safa Street widening to cut commute, ease access to City Walk, Coca-Cola Arena
The Al Safa Street will be widened to cut down travel time on the corridor from 12 minutes to 3 minutes as part of a new road improvement project announced by Dubai's Raods and Transport Authority (RTA). The project will increase the number of lanes from three to four and have several elements including dedicated pedestrian walkways and cycling tracks, urban spaces that encourage community interaction, and landscaped areas. The scope of it will extend from the junction of Al Safa Street with Sheikh Zayed Road to the junction with Al Wasl Street, spanning more than 1,500 metres. "The project serves a vital district and is home to key landmarks such as City Walk, Coca-Cola Arena, educational institutions, residential and commercial areas, luxury hotels, and high-end restaurants,' said Mattar Al Tayer, Director General of the RTA. 'It also enhances connectivity with Downtown Dubai and nearby developments along Financial Centre Street, an area inhabited by over one million residents.' Construction of bridges The project involves the construction of two bridges and two tunnels with a combined length of over 3,000 metres, along with the widening of roads and upgrades to intersections and traffic signal systems. Once complete, the the street's capacity will double from 6,000 to 12,000 vehicles per hour in both directions. According to details revealed by the RTA, the first bridge will serve traffic coming from Al Wasl Street towards Sheikh Zayed Road and Financial Centre Street. It will have four lanes and span 1,005 metres, with an estimated capacity of 6,400 vehicles per hour. The second bridge, which will feature two lanes and extend 360 metres, will accommodate traffic coming from Al Satwa Road towards Sheikh Zayed Road and Financial Centre Street and have a capacity of 2,800 vehicles per hour. Two tunnels According to Al Tayer, the project will also includes the construction of two tunnels. 'The first tunnel will serve traffic coming from Sheikh Zayed Road and Financial Centre Street towards Al Wasl Street,' he said. 'It will span 1,005 metres, comprise two lanes, and offer a capacity of 3,200 vehicles per hour. The second tunnel will be located at the intersection of Al Wasl Street and Al Safa Street, extending 750 metres. It will feature two lanes in each direction, with a total capacity of approximately 6,400 vehicles per hour.' The project also involves widening Al Safa Street from three signalised lanes in each direction to four lanes — two providing free-flowing movement and two managed by traffic signals. Upon completion, the project will enhance traffic flow from the Upper Deck of Financial Centre Street and Sheikh Zayed Road towards Al Safa Street and Al Wasl Street, and vice versa. Al Wasl Road project On June 3, the RTA announced an integrated infrastructure project spanning Umm Suqeim, Al Safa, and Al Wasl Streets. The development project includes: It covers Al Safa Street, upgrading six key intersections between Umm Suqeim and 2nd December Street — including Al Safa Street — with five tunnels totaling 3,850 m and widening to three lanes in each direction. The corridor stretches 15 km, from Umm Suqeim Street to 2nd December Street, aiming to boost capacity from 8,000 to 12,000 vehicles per hour and halve travel times. It includes urban enhancements like pedestrian walkways, cycling tracks, boulevards, and vibrant public spaces—supporting Dubai's population growth and quality‑of‑life target
Khaleej Times
2 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Dubai: Emirates uses AI-powered engine monitoring to cut costly flight diversions
Dubai's flagship carrier Emirates is tapping into the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to help the airline enhance flight safety, monitor engine health in real time, and reduce costly flight diversions, a senior official revealed. 'We're using AI to predict the turbulence en route from one destination to another. Using AI is not only for the benefit of the company but also for enhancing the safety of operations. "We are able to use AI to predict the health of the engine, and how it is performing, and that helped us a number of times to avoid diversions of an aircraft because we were able to continue operating that aircraft for the specific diagnosis and live monitoring it,' said Adel Al Redha, deputy president and chief operations officer of Emirates. He was speaking during the ForsaTek 2025 exhibition and conference last week. The event featured over 40 in-house and partner showcases, strategically organised across the innovation pipeline spectrum, from early-stage research and prototyping to proof-of-concept trials, and fully launched initiatives being scaled up. AI adoption is on the rise across all industries, and airlines are no exception. From improving operational efficiency to enhancing customer service, companies are exploring new ways to harness data and automation. Looking ahead, Al Redha stressed the importance of strengthening real-time data capabilities to further improve services. For example, he said accurate data can help airlines load the right quantity of food on board — preventing waste and saving millions of dirhams annually. On the use of passenger data, Al Redha reassured that Emirates is aligned with government regulations. He noted that the airline is already taking steps to regulate and govern the use of public data. 'The more we rely on technology, the higher the level of cybersecurity we need to invest in and ensure that we are safeguarding the operations,' he added. As the technology advances, Al Redha noted that the company will upscale its staff as the airline will increasingly adopt generative artificial intelligence (AI). 'We're going to rely on generative AI. That's going to make some of our jobs easier and information much more faster accessible. Some of the people may not be up to the same level of skill as others. We will have to examine certain staff level skills, and upskill them to be able to manage or deal with what the new norm is going to be,' he said.
Arabian Business
3 hours ago
- Arabian Business
Qatar recorded $116m of real estate transactions in a week
The volume of Qatar real estate trading in sales contracts registered with the Real Estate Registration Department at the Ministry of Justice during the period from June 15 to 19 amounted to QR423,674,670 ($116.3m). The total sales contracts for the real estate bulletin for residential units during the same period reached amounted to QR 59,529,651 ($16.3m). The weekly bulletin issued by the Department shows that the list of properties traded for sale included: Vacant lands Residential homes Apartment buildings Commercial buildings Shops Residential units Qatar real estate sales The sales operations were concentrated in the municipalities of Al Rayyan, Doha, Al Wakrah, Umm Salal, Al Khor and Al Dhakira, Al Dhaayen, and Al Shama l in addition to the areas of the Pearl, Lusail 69, and Ghar Thuaileb.
